DC Women's Business Center Sponsored by: U.S. Small Business Administration Operated by: The Washington, DC Women’s Business Center

DC Women's Business Center Who We Are A business development organization that serves women entrepreneurs in the Washington, DC Capital Region. Advocates for the inclusion of women’s businesses in federal procurement opportunities. A network of business connections and services that support the growth of women- owned businesses.

DC Women's Business Center Who We Serve Women executives seeking operational, financial, and/or market assistance to grow their businesses. Women entrepreneurs seeking to formalize their business through business planning and operations assistance. There is a particular focus on assisting economically disadvantaged and minority women entrepreneurs.

DC Women's Business Center Services Provided Existing Business Business Assessment Business Growth Support through Counseling & Training Access to Capital Mentoring and Networking Opportunities Start-up Business Business Assessment Business Planning Access to Capital Connection to Mentors

DC Women's Business Center SBA WBC Business Profile SBA Women’s Business Centers serve a broad category of women owned businesses nationwide. Small businesses with revenues less than $25,000. Large businesses with revenues over $15 million. Companies range from sole proprietors to corporations with over 100 employees.

DC Women's Business Center DC Women Owned Businesses Over 50,000 businesses in DC. Approx. 33% of businesses are woman-owned. Approx. 5,000 or 10% of all businesses in DC are owned by women of color. US Businesses Owned by Women of Color 1.9 million firms are majority-owned (51% or more) by women of color in the U.S. These firms employ 1.2 million people and generate $165 billion in revenues annually.

DC Women's Business Center DC WBC Client Profile 53% of Clients are in business Average # of Employees: 5 Average years in Business: 6.5% Average Reported Revenue: $505,000 62% African American, 27% White, 9% Asian, 2% Native American Minority women are starting new firms at five times the rate of all other businesses. However, the average revenue of these businesses is less than 25% of that of businesses owned by their White counterparts.

DC Women's Business Center Closing the Gap: WOSB Certification The Small Business Act authorizes procurement officers to limit or set-aside opportunities for woman- owned businesses 51% woman ownership For more information:

DC Women's Business Center Certification Resources Women’s Business Centers: Small Business Development Centers: sba.gov Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) Small Business Teaming Program: Minority Business Enterprise Centers: Minority Supplier Diversity Council: SCORE:

DC Women's Business Center Keep in Touch! Samira Cook-Gaines, Director Tel: Online: Like us on Facebook: The Washington, DC Women’s Business Center Follow on